Advocates of developing the old Jewelry District in Providence into a vibrant Knowledge District of young professionals and start-up companies were disappointed by Brown University's decision to build its School of Engineering on its East Side campus

John Kostrzewa Assistant Managing Editor johnkostrzewa

Advocates of developing the old Jewelry District in Providence into a vibrant Knowledge District of young professionals and start-up companies were disappointed by Brown University's decision to build its School of Engineering on its East Side campus. Brown had looked at several locations across the river from its campus, including the decaying Dynamo House.

John Kostrzewa

Still, any investment and expansion in Rhode Island is welcomed in these tough economic times, and Brown's plans to create a world-class engineering school on College Hill is good news.

The Ivy League school plans a $160 million campaign for the engineering school, headed by founding dean Larry Larson, and said it had already received $44 million in donations.

Theresia Gouw, a venture capitalist and 1990 Brown graduate who earned a bachelor's degree in engineering, gave $25 million. Charles Giancarlo, managing director of a private equity firm who graduated from Brown in 1979 with an electrical engineering degree, and his wife, Dianne, gave $10 million. Brown said.

Brown's plans include adding 15 faculty members, renovating and adding teaching and research space and other projects. New buildings to house the school will be built adjacent to the existing Barus and Holley Building at the corner of Hope and George Streets.